Class of 1954 a laid-back bunch at fun reunion Bill's Rockdale High School class of 1954 had a 55thyear reunion this week in conjunction with the Rockdale Homecoming and I think the whole class and spouses and other visitors had a great time. I think later reunions are so much more fun than the earlier ones where everybody wants to make an impression. Full Story

Self-indulgence (definition): "Excessive or unrestrained gratif ication of one's own appetites, desires or whims. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Whim. That's the word That's how I ended up in a northwestern Arkansas field last week, looking with my eyes and my mind at scenes I hadn't witnessed in a half century. Full Story

Local hero The Local Hero award is not only given to volunteers in the community. Every now and then workers are nominated for the great job they are doing in their workplace. That is the case with our Local Hero this week. Crystal Harris is an LVN at Manor Oaks Nursing Home and she is wonderful with the residents at the facility. Full Story

ENGAGED— ENGAGED—Myron and Patti Schneider announce the engagement of their daughter, Trish, to Jacob Ammon of Cameron. Jake is the son of Brenda Ammon of Cameron and Al and Suzy Ammon of Rockdale. Trish's grandparents are Gene and Eleanor Luckey of Sharp and Ernest and Vernell Schneider of Rockdale. Jake is the grandson of I.T. and Pat Gilbert of Cameron and the late Ernest and Carrie Ammon of Carrier Mills, Illinois. The bride-elect is currently a student with Temple College and the prospective groom is currently graduating from Virginia Military Institute. An August wedding is planned. Full Story

SPECIAL NEEDS FUN DAY— SPECIAL NEEDS FUN DAY—Wolf Park and the I&GN Depot-Museum was the site for Rockdale's first Special Needs Network Fun Day Saturday as families with special needs children, or adults, were invited to share a day of food, fun and fellowship. Above, the children enjoyed a tour of a Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department pumper. Below, organizers of the fun day were (L-R) Rita Schupp, Denitra Lewis and Teresa Mireles. Full Story

Create a vacation feel at home Many people will forego their annual vacation this year because of limited funds. Others are finding they have a competitive edge in the workplace if they cut their travel plans short. However, a missed vacation may leave individuals wanting in terms of a change in scenery. Full Story

As summertime approaches and the sun's rays become more and more intense, people tend to start sweating more and wearing fewer clothes. While your pets may be stuck with their fur coats year-round, there are things that you can do to get them ready for the impending heat. Full Story

NATIONAL WINNER— NATIONAL WINNER—Madeline Jones, 15, of Milano has received the National 2008 Youth of the Year Award for the American Shetland Pony Club. She was honored in the pony club's magazine, The Journal this month. She received the title by earning the most points showing Shetland ponies in the nation. Jones has earned the 2008 Arrowhead Shetland Award and the 2008 ASPC Pony of the Year Award. She is the daughter of Jeff and Jimann Jones of Milano, granddaughter of Steve and Becky Jones of Milano and the granddaughter of Jim and Jeanette Peed of Deanville. Full Story

Mp3 usage and hearing loss Mp3 players, por table CD players, mobile phones, and other electronic devices bring the convenience of music wherever you go. Headphones preserve the privacy of the music listener and allow music to be enjoyed without disturbing others. Full Story

The City of Milano will have its annual Independence Day parade on Saturday, July 4 starting from Charlie Martin City Park. Registra- tion and line up for the parade w ill begin at 9 a. m. i n fron t of the park and the parade will start at 10 a.m. Full Story